Wildlife Conservation & Ecology
Where Science and Conservation Meet
Members
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Research Projects
Project: Habitat Colonization, Population Dispersal and Breeding Biology of Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) & Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) in Sarawak.
I am interested on the molecular ecology, evolution and biodiversity conservation of fascinating Bornean birds. My previous work was primarily on the molecular systematic of migratory shorebirds using molecular markers and ecological data. I have several years of research experiences and trained in relevant fieldwork operations and lab skills which includes data collection (eg. setting mist-nets, bird identification and banding), blood and tissue sample collection and conducting molecular works in lab (eg. DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and statistical data analysis). I am currently involved in a research project focusing on the home range and population density of myna birds in urban and sub-urban areas in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak Borneo.
— Nurul Ashikeen Bt Abd Razak (PhD) ekinrazak@gmail.com
Project: Community Ecology of Understorey Forest Birds in Western Sarawak
I am interested in assessing the community ecology pattern in Avian. My current study is focus on the relationships of avian community with the biotic and abiotic elements that affecting their preference in selecting habitat and maintain their diversity which most of the ecologisr agree that spatial and temporal variations in environmental conditions is important in maintaining their diversity. This study hopefully will provide information and helpful in conservation and management of avian community in our rainforest especially in protected areas.
— Hanis Damia Elyna (PhD) liteileen@gmail.com
Project: Evaluation and application of emerging methods for ecological data analysis (genus Glenea, from the subfamily Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Sarawak, Borneo as a case study)
I'm working as Wildlife Biologist for Sustainable Forest Management Unit with Wildlife Conservation Society (Malaysia Program) from 2006 to end of 2013, and along the way has fallen in love with ecological statistics and modelling. Therefore I involves in many statistical program organised by Biodiversity Conservation Society Sarawak (BCSS). My passion on ecological statistics and modelling has brought me to University of St. Andrews, Scotland, UK in year 2012 for Master of Research in Environmental Biology to become a quantitative ecologist. In 2016 I co-founded a conservation and research NGO called Pertubuhan Pelindung Alam Malaysia (PELINDUNG), and performing as Vice-Chairman and Scientific Advisor / Data Analyst (currently working on National Tiger Survey in Malaysia). Now I'm pursuing my mission again with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak for PhD in Zoology, but closely related to quantitative ecology by exploring and applying new emerging methods (Bayesian statistics) in wildlife data analysis under Faculty of Resource Science and Technology.
— Ngumbang Anak Juat (PhD) ngumbangjuat@hotmail.com
Project: The Comparison of Diet of Babblers and Flycatchers in Heavily and Less Disturbed Forest in Pelagus, Baleh and Baram, Sarawak.
I'm working on a project which comparing the diet of the two insectivores’ bird family (babblers and flycatchers) in the selected rural areas of Sarawak. Comparison of their diet is made by identifying and analysing the regurgitated and faecal sample of these birds. Through their diet, the foraging strategies of the birds might be identified. Then, the result of the diet can be compared with the abundance of insects according to their order which are also collected in this study.
— Attiqqah Fadziliah (Msc) attiqqahfadz@gmail.com
Project: Home range and population density of common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Kuching and Samarahan Division
Due to constant progress and urbanization we have modified the natural environment which made it conducive for the invasive species. Invasive species are introduced by humans either accidentally or intentionally. They can be detrimental for both human and also other species that co-exist with them. One of the invasive species that we can find here is common myna (Acridotheres tristis). So far, there is no information gathered on this species in Sarawak, therefore I am doing my masters degree on the home range and population density of this species in Sarawak. My previous work was on the phylogenetic study of one family of bird that is Timaliidae, or commonly known as babblers. My works have been focused on birds because for me, birds are amazing and their beauty is very captivating.
— Frances Hii (Msc) franceshii.d.s@gmail.com
Project: Avifauna diversity, density and foraging behaviour in oil palm plantation and forest fragments
I am interested in ecology, wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Practical applications in wildlife management and investigating relationships between animals and their environments enables an increasingly insightful understanding of natural world. My previous work was on bornean urban birds in a university campus landscape in Sarawak. I am currently focusing on the carrying capacity of forest fragments in oil palm plantation on avian community.
— Audrey Voon Mei Fang (Msc) audrey_voon@hotmail.com
Project: Habitat Preference and Occupancy of Carnivores in Sarawak
The overgrowing demands and exploitation of land and natural resources has detrimentally affected Sarawak’s tropical rainforest thus influences the increase in the numbers of protected areas within Sarawak. Sarawak state holds the most number of protected areas in Malaysia, however the survivability of carnivore species within these protected areas is indefinite due to their rare and secretive nature. Carnivores are known to be keystone species with the importance as seed dispersers that ensures ecosystem health. Camera trapping provides the best approach in understanding these species with minimal disturbance and stress thus providing insights in understanding the ecology of rare and cryptic carnivores within protected areas. Through this, potentially future areas with similar ecology niche could be conserved and protected to ensure the survival of carnivores not only in Sarawak but throughout Borneo.
— Thaqifah Jailan (Msc) thaqifahjailan@gmail.com
Project: Elevational Stratification of Medium to Large Terrestrial Mammals in western Sarawak
Formation of unique topography in Southeast Asia provided various quality of microhabitat along elevation that supports multiple ecosystems, elevation known as a prominent covariate to determine biodiversity dynamic of an area. However, this humid tropic is threatened by global warming and anthropogenic activities that is sufficient to extirpate these ecosystems. Temporary draught during dry season induced regeneration of community. However, variation of global climate between past and recent are broader bringing impacts on glacial melting concomitant with rising of sea levels, greenhouse effect, land aridification, local extinction and long-term dry condition. Lowland forests are extirpating by unsustainable logging, over – exploitation , deforestation and forest conversion; Bornean lowland endemic species are found more sensitive to logging and distribution of forest dwelling species are restricted. Despite the vulnerability of lowland forests, it is apparent that lowland forests are more attractive than others that contributed 74% of studies in Southeast Asia; yet montane forest or cloud forest only attracted 5% of research on it.
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My project focussed on the distributions of medium to large terrestrial mammals along different altitudinal range in Western Sarawak (included Mt. Santubong 811m, Mt. Serapi 911m, Mt. Gading 965m, Mt. Penrissen 1350m, Mt. Pueh 1550m, Bako National Park). I'm collecting data through camera traps; lures are field testing in Mt. Serapi with replacement every 14days to enhance the capture rate of elusive mammals, vegetation plots are did to determine parameter that influence distribution of larger terrestrial mammals.
— Sally Soo Kaicheen (Msc) sallyskaicheen@hotmail.com
Projet: Wildlife Utilization of Salt Lick in Selected Areas of Sarawak
My study focuses on wildlife utilization towards salt licks to study wildlife dynamics and diets. It may also provide information on relation of salt lick and local communities in terms of livelihood, dependency, customs, culture and beliefs. I use camera trapping to study the wildlife dynamics, atomic absorption spectrometer for chemical analysis and in-depth survey to document social relation between salt lick and local communities throughout Sarawak region.
— Nurul Asna Hidayah (Msc) nurulasnahidayah@outlook.com
Project title: Distribution, Ecology and Conservation of Hornbills in western Sarawak.
Nature never fails to fascinate me, and I am especially interested in the wildlife that inspire and mesmerise me the most, the hornbills. Growing up as part of the native tribes in Sarawak, I was taught about how culturally important and majestic hornbills are and I gradually acquired interest in them. I wish to learn more about them and do something to protect them. Hornbills have a very important ecological role aside from their deep association with the cultures of most of the native tribes in Sarawak. They disperse seeds of most of the large fruiting trees in the tropical rainforest and are useful ecological indicators. They have unique breeding ecology as they are monogamic, having only one mate at one time. For the past few years, rapid deforestations pose threats to hornbills as they face a decline in their habitat. They also face threats from the use of their feathers and high demand of their casques in traditional costumes and ornamental purposes, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
My study focuses on the distribution, ecology and conservation of hornbills in western Sarawak. I am collecting data in hopes of describing the abundance, occupancy and distribution of hornbills in ten selected Totally Protected Areas (TPA) and forest fragments in western Sarawak. I am also gathering information on the perception and belief of local communities on hornbills in western Sarawak. I believe that by understanding their ecology and habitat requirement, we can further look into the conservation efforts that can be improved to protect these beautiful symbolic birds of Sarawak.
— Philovenny anak Pengiran (MSc)
Project: Persistence of medium to large terrestrial mammals in a production forest in Central Sarawak
My focus is on biodiversity, wildlife ecology and its ability to cope with anthropogenic habitat disturbances. Borneo is a wonderful place for any naturalist and I am grateful to be able to conduct my studies in a place like Sarawak. Unfortunately we can not ignore the human demand for monetary income and the ways it is generated. In tropical areas these inevitably include timber processing which is in conflict with local fauna and flora. Destruction of habitat disrupts food chains and its adverse effects ultimately cascades down to the local human population who often benefit less from timber or oil palm production. I aspire to help in sustainable use and protection of landscape for the benefit of all: The natural and human aspects.
My current project is a collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Ta Ann Holdings Berhad, in which we want to assess the effects of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) on medium to large terrestrial mammals. In working out whether the conducted logging practices help to mitigate negative effects on said faunal component or not, we can either help to improve logging techniques or set a new gold standard for sustainable logging in Sarawak. Since large swaths of land are under logging concession, successful sustainable forest use could protect more habitat than National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
— Marius Joscha Maiwald (MSc)
Project: The Ecology of Medium to Large Terrestrial Mammals in HCV and Oil Palm Plantation at PPB Oil Palm-Wilmar, Miri.
From the destruction of ecosystems to poverty alleviation, oil palm has been in the centre of controversy for decades. Despite, its reputation, oil palm is heavily depended on (global oil palm consumption is estimated to be around 72 million tons!). Compared to other plant-based oils, oil palm is still the most productive and land efficient crop. Therefore, switching to other oil crops will only further fuel land conversions which ultimately leads to a greater loss of our flora and fauna.
While there have been many improvements in the recent years brought on by RSPO advocating sustainable palm oil, ecological values of forest fragments are still relatively understudied. It is of utmost importance to deepen our understanding and close knowledge gaps especially on how animals survive and utilize oil palm landscapes.
My project primarily focuses on understanding how mammals persist within the forest fragments in oil palm plantations and on how management practices can affect the occupancy of these mammals in both the forest and oil palm. By connecting the dots, we will be able to shed light on better management practices, conservation strategies as well as set a greater standard for ecological sustainability.
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"The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for future generations" - Pope John Paul II
— Lisa Lok Choy Hong (MSc)
Project: The distributions, habitat preferences and activity patterns of Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in Sarawak.
I started my journey in wildlife conservation with SARAWAK FORESTRY Corporation Sdn. Bhd as Conservation Executive from 2007 and later as Warden in Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary until 2012. Along the journey, I had learned and understood more about wild animals; their conservations status, their behaviors and how vulnerable they are to threats. Today, being one of the persons who spearhead wildlife enforcement in the state, there are more avenues for me to continuing protecting and conserving wild animals.
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My project will be looking at the species that are heavily traded and exploited internationally namely; the Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). This species, being one of the top traded wild animals has been excessively exploited for its scales and meat. Collective and comprehensive intervention approaches are needed to address the issues, particularly for Sarawak. To do this, information on distributions, populations, and behaviors of this species is needed. The project will focus on the study of the distributions, habitat preferences and activity patterns of Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) through camera trapping and field survey activities. The results from this study will be able to guide the development of policies and approaches towards managing conservation issues of the species.
— Nickson Joseph Robi (MSc)
